Coroner resigns a year into investigation

Bradford coroner Peter Straker has resigned before a report into his conduct had been submitted.

Straker was suspended on full pay in February 2013 for an investigation into his conduct as the coroner.

Suzan Hemingway, Bradford council’s city solicitor, said: “The council has been informed that Peter Straker, coroner for West Yorkshire (western area) has resigned.

“The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office has been conducting an investigation into the coroner’s conduct and it was the decision of the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor to suspend him on full pay during this investigation.

“Bradford Council, along with Calderdale Council and Kirklees Council, funds the district Coroner’s service but the investigation, its processes and outcomes are not in the council’s jurisdiction.”

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) today said its report was almost complete.

A spokeswoman for the JCIO said: “Dr Straker is the subject of an investigation by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, and this will continue despite his resignation. The investigation has now concluded and a report will shortly be submitted to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice for their consideration.”